Modern, but aware of its history: Regensburg's cultural mix

Regensburg's cultural life is particularly attractive due to its mixture of old and new. Performers like the thousand-year-old world-famous boy choir, Regensburg's Cathedral Sparrows (Domspatzen), or the breathtaking Dream Factory (Traumfabrik), a show troupe which arose out of the university's sport department, are able to capture the hearts of their audiences both locally and regionally, as well as in European capital cities and at world expositions.

You can enjoy theatre and concerts in ancient or modern settings - in the wonderfully restored classical theatre at Bismarckplatz, built by the Portuguese architect Emanuel Herigoyen in the 19th century, or in the subdued concrete decor of the Auditorium Maximum "Audimax" built at the university in the 1970's. Other options include the Velodrome, an art nouveau building built around 1900 and refitted to modern standards to host plays and concerts. Also near Arnulfsplatz is a basement stage called "Statt-Theater", where satire and comedy can be viewed. Ancient buildings have also become focal points for lively cultural events, e.g. the Empty Wallet (Leerer Beutel) which used to be a corn storehouse, the Salzstadel where salt was once kept, the Alte Maelzerei that housed a brewery, the Kulturspeicher (a harbour storehouse) and the Andreasstadel.

The city's rich creative consciousness peaks in the summer months with a cycle of famous events, where there's something for everyone's taste. Jazz legend Louis Armstrong once said, "What we play is life." This statement becomes real for hundreds of musicians during the  Bavarian Jazz Weekend, which takes place every year in Regensburg, drawing music lovers from all over Germany. For three days, the central city swarms with hordes of visitors. Thousands of jazz fans from Regensburg and beyond come to dance on the squares and in the narrow streets, or observe from an open-air cafe as the lively yet intimate music spectacle takes its course.
Another festival called "Tage Alter Musik" (Old Music Days) is no less impressive, but entirely different in character. It draws lovers of innovative classical music. Around Pentecost each year, Regensburg is treated to musical sounds from times long gone by. Ancient types of instruments and historically correct performances make it possible to experience musical history in sight and sound. The medieval buildings and the city's contemplative flair are the best possible backdrop for this musical history event, described by a leading scene magazine as one of the most renowned festivals of this kind.

Bookworms flock to the yearly Prague Night. This event is all about experiencing literature as never before. A shuttle bus carries visitors from one mysterious location to the next, where they listen to readings of selected authors.

Doubtless one of Bavaria's most stylish open air events is the Festival of Plays (Schlossfestspiele) at the Thurn & Taxis palace. The royal courtyard serves as a picturesque background for offerings by well-known actors and musicians. Drama aficionados and classical music fans will all find their flavour here. Classical music fans are also drawn to the Town Hall concerts, a series each year in early summer in the splendid hall of the old Imperial Parliament. The newly restored Andreasstadl has also become a much-loved cultural gathering point. The huge building hosts cultural events, and is also home to the Artists' House (Kuenstlerhaus), with an art academy and working space for many regional artists from various artistic disciplines.

When winter is just around the corner, and the cold, damp fog settles over Regensburg's rooftops, it's time for the Short Film Week. More than 6000 visitors come each year to immerse themselves in the world of current international short films, ranging from local works to classic short films. Fans of graceful motion will find their hearts' desire at the Days of Dance (Tanztage). This festival was established in the late 1990's and is now an immovable pillar of the city's cultural colour.

Living culture also means staying attuned to artistic lifestyles from other countries. Since 2003, the Donumenta event focuses each year on one of the ten countries along the Danube. Workshops, symposia and conferences show intercultural differences and similarities, provide inspiration and motivation, and destroy invisible barriers. The Donumenta is a meeting-place for artists of various nations and an intercultural feast for the senses.

There are as many cultural events and locations in Regensburg as there are pebbles on the riverbank. Visitors hungry for more can find satisfaction in the East German Gallery, an opera in the extensively restored city theatre, or a night of cabaret pleasure. Sometimes it's enough to take a stroll through the city's narrow streets - an abundance of art galleries and workshops can be found everywhere, fighting for attention from passers-by. Or if you prefer, find a nice quiet spot to sit on the bank of the river and enjoy the view - the city skyline, graceful colours, and rows of medieval houses agow in the flickering lamplight and mirrored in the dark water of the Danube.